Kirk Franklin Talks About His New “Gospel Brunch”

Raspy-voiced choir director Kirk Franklin got around his limited vocal ability by channeling ideas through other singers, and repackaging gospel music with mainstream sensibilities. During the ’90s the Ft. Worth songwriter put his hype man ad libs on rousing praise anthem hits like “Stomp” and “Revolution,” and paved a path for new gospel artists to reach big audiences outside the church.

His latest venture is a regular event called Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch, which he curates for House of Blues outlets around the country, including the Sunset Strip. Kicking off this Sunday, Mother’s Day, it continues on selected Sundays in May and June, and features a Southern inspired buffet and a performance by artists picked by Franklin. We spoke with him about this venture — he made it sound well worth the $42 — as well as issues like his tumultuous childhood and pornography addiction.